Connected to the cause

Richard Taite spent 20 years smoking pot and crack, and snorting cocaine before conquering his addiction. Nearly 10 years ago, he opened Cliffside Malibu in California to help others defeat their own substance-abuse demons.

Now, Cliffside is known as one of the world’s most successful drug rehab centers. The facility guarantees results by using evidence-based, holistic treatment plans that use a multitude of different therapies and interventions to combat addiction.

That The American Legion has repeatedly called for a similar treatment plan for veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is why Cliffside delivered a measure of support for the organization’s efforts.

With American Legion Hollywood Post 43’s Flag Day Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Breakfast as the setting on June 14, Taite presented a check for $20,000 to the Legion to support the organization’s second TBI-PTSD symposium.

“The reason Cliffside Malibu feels so connected to this cause is because we’re primarily known as the preeminent rehab therapy in the country,” said Taite, who also offered the services world-renowned Cliffside addiction researcher Dr. Constance Scharff to the Legion. “Veterans and people in the military, they go to war – it’s traumatic. It just is. You’re not supposed to see something like that … and be as you were before you went. That’s not reasonable.”

Taite said the Legion’s efforts to make multiple treatment plans available to veterans suffering from either injury make the two organizations a good fit. “You just need the therapy that is available,” he said. “That’s what (The American Legion) … is about: It’s helping to navigate what it is you need and to get the benefits that you’re entitled to. We couldn’t be more aligned with that mission.”

American Legion Past National Commander Bill Detweiler, chairman of the Legion’s TBI-PTSD Committee, accepted the donation on behalf of the Legion.

“There is has never been a … human being that has seen combat that doesn’t come back somewhat changed and suffering from post-traumatic stress in some form or another,” Detweiler said. “We have been working very hard in the past four years looking at the types of treatment. There are a lot of treatments that are available. There’s nothing that’s a cookie-cutter treatment. You’ve got to look at the individuals (and) work with the individuals to see what they need. That’s what are committee is concerned about, and we are very appreciative and thankful to Cliffside. Their gift will assist in supporting another symposium.”

Legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke attended the Flag Day breakfast. An Army Air Corps veteran, Van Dyke was made an honorary member of Post 43 by Post Commander Donald Schilling.